Knowing what to do after a motorcycle accident in California is essential to claim the full compensation you’re entitled to from the at-fault party. Here, the personal injury attorneys at Demas Law Group explain what you should do to protect your health and legal rights if you or a loved one has been hurt.
What Kind of Injuries Can You Get from a Motorcycle Accident?
Motorcyclists have a high risk of sustaining serious injuries when accidents occur because they have little protection from the force of a collision. Common motorcycle accident injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Road rash
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Spinal cord injury
- Internal bleeding
- Permanent impairment or disability
- Cuts and lacerations
- Back injuries
- Amputation
What to Do After Getting Hit on a Motorcycle
Your case begins at the accident scene. Follow these steps if you get hurt in a motorcycle accident in California:
- Call 911 – Report the crash to law enforcement and request an ambulance if you can’t drive to the hospital yourself.
- Collect evidence from the accident scene – Gather evidence at the crash site, such as photographs and videos of the damaged vehicles. If your injury is severe, stay where you are and wait for help to arrive. If you can walk around safely, ask for the insurance information from the other driver and get any witnesses’ names and contact information.
- Seek medical treatment – Go to the emergency room after leaving the accident scene. You should follow up with your doctors regularly until you heal or they release you from their care.
- Keep all receipts – Maintain records of all the expenses you incur. Retain any receipts you receive for motorcycle repairs, medical treatment, and other costs related to the crash. Also, obtain copies of your medical records.
- Get a copy of the police report – Request the official police accident report. It can include valuable information to help with your motorcycle injury case.
- Talk to a motorcycle accident lawyer in Sacramento – You should not settle a motorcycle accident claim without consulting an experienced attorney. Contact a motorcycle crash lawyer before talking to any insurance companies.
Types of Compensation After a Motorcycle Crash
You can file an insurance claim or lawsuit to recover compensation if someone else is at fault for the motorcycle accident. Compensation can include money for losses like:
- Ambulance rides, hospitalization, surgery, prescriptions, and other medical bills
- Emotional distress
- Physical impairment or disfigurement
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Lost enjoyment of life
- Property damage
Call a Sacramento Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
Demas Law Group has over 25 years of experience representing clients hurt in motorcycle accidents throughout California. We are ready to fight hard for the best possible outcome for you. If you were injured in a motorcycle crash due to someone else’s negligence, call us immediately for a free consultation with a dedicated Sacramento motorcycle accident lawyer.